10/06/2016 BBC Wales Today

Welcome to Wales Today, live from Bordeaux.

Euro 2016 is about to kick off, and with it, the hopes

They arrived amid high security, France in a state of emergency

after recent attacks, tens of thousands of police

The fans in fine voice - they've waited decades for major

This stadium behind me is where Wales will take to the field

The Wales squad left their training base in Brittany earlier.

Chris Coleman says his men are ready.

The results will be what they're going to be.

But we'll make sure we take care of our performance and we

And Wales in a major championship used to be the stuff

As thousands of steel workers wait for news about their jobs,

the call for a long-term solution to the steel-crisis

And how the family of Oliver Edwards-Cavill -

who took his own life - are campaigning for more

support to prevent other parents losing a child.

France is holding a month-long European football party

and for the first time, Wales are invited.

This elegant, sophisticated city of culture and breathtaking

architecture has been transformed over last few hours, as fans pour

If Chris Coleman's men want to be crowned European Champions and bring

home the Henri Delaunay Trophy, they'll have to make it

through seven games over the next month.

They'll be cheered on by thousands of fans from Wales, just some

of the half a million from the UK making the journey.

But before there are any celebrations, Wales have

They face Slovakia here in Bordeaux tomorrow at 5pm.

Next, it's up to Lens for the highly anticipated clash with England.

And it's back down the country to Toulouse, for the final group

But the fans arrive in a nervous country.

France is in a state of emergency, with 90,000 police and military

Where this is attendance at a major tournament is not the only thing

unprecedented about Euro 2016. France remains on high alert

following last year 's terror attacks in Paris. Is thought to

record 90,000 security staff are working here, and makes them

officers from Welsh police forces. These officers along with Slovakian

officers will be working in teams with French colleagues. We'll be out

on the ground, engaging with all the fans, the locals and the neutrals

who are coming to Saturday's game. We'll be advising and supporting the

French police. There are also hoping to avoid

scenes like these. Police using tear gas to break up of a brawl last

night. But the Welsh fans in Bordeaux are not worried, just

excited. We waited 58 years so we are not

bothered. We're going to make the most of it.

Never thought I'd Ashleigh make it in my lifetime.

The more the better as far as I'm concerned.

Everybody seems to be behaving themselves. The security is getting

into the fans only. They check you down anything on your bike and go

through banks, and anything they don't like to be locked up and they

have to do that for up to 60,000 fans.

The Welsh supporters have no truly arrived in Bordeaux, making the most

of the French experience, which today includes a strike on some tram

services around the city and then the more relaxing cafe culture.

They're not even going to let the familiar weather spoiled the party.

The atmosphere 's been amazing. Everyone talks to each other. As

soon as you see another Welsh shirt, it's like hey, hey! You can join

everyone and have drinks for them. The first half of the week we spent

sightseeing and looking round the city. It's absolutely beautiful and

the fans are turning up now in force. The atmosphere is building

and everybody is looking forward to the game.

And so is the new sports Minister who will arrive before kick-off

tomorrow. People don't take an interest in the

football team in itself are showing more of an interest as more and more

attention than that they wouldn't have been and is a message for our

elite athletes and for everyone who's interested in some form of

sport or exercise. It's a real bonus for Wales on the sporting front and

obviously, it's an opportunity to sell Wales to the world.

Wherever you are, the agonising wait for the kick-off is almost as an end

and while security is visible, is only one thing on the minds of fans,

and that's watching their team make history.

The Wales squad left their training base in Brittany earlier,

and have been training on the pitch in Stade de Bordeaux tonight.

Manager Chris Coleman has just given his final press conference

Iwan Griffiths is following the team for us.

What's the mood in the camp less than 24 hours before kick-off?

There's definitely a feeling of excitement here tonight. You could

describe the mood in the press conference as emotional. Chris

Coleman celebrating his 46th birthday today, just urging his

players to enjoy this moment. It's been a long 58 year wait. We're

nearly there. Threading that if at the stadium, the Europe campaign

gets under way for these men. The self-proclaimed band of brothers

taking the opportunity to get a feel of the pitch, less than 24 hours

before this historic adventure kicks off against Slovakia.

We'll have goose bumps, that's for sure especially with the Welsh fans

singing the anthem and knowing everybody in Wales is watching on

TV. The people not in the stadium will be supporting us and getting

involved in a major championship instead of watching obviously on the

TV. To be fully involved as a nation is going to be amazing for everybody

and we hope we can do everybody proud.

Chris Coleman on the day he turns 46 says they're prepared and ready.

We're going to enter the tournament in the same spirit that we entered

the campaign and that is, when we walk onto the pitch, we give

everything for our jersey and what will be will be after that and the

results will be what they're going to be but we'll make sure we take

care about performance and we'll do our nation proud.

The Slovakian is also in town. They won seven back-to-back games

qualifying for this tournament including a memorable victory

against Spain and they beat world champions Germany just a few weeks

ago in a friendly. Liverpool's captain will captain the side while

their current top scorer is arguably the squad's most important player.

He's obviously a great player but, you know, you've looked at them, to

now research, then our work on the field but at the end of the day,

it's the same as always, we concentrate on ourselves and how we

can hurt Sabato. It's been a long wait with Wales

having to sit out of each major footballing tenements since 1958.

This evening, fans placed their hopes on these men to make that wait

The thoughts of Chris Coleman and the players there.

A little earlier, I caught up with former Wales midfielder

Robbie Savage to hear how he sees the challenge that Slovakia

Weiss, Mak and obviously Hamsik, who can score goals.

I think he got a five goals in the qualifying campaign.

They won six out of six in the first six games,

so they're not to be taken lightly but I think it's a game,

it's a massive, massive game, it's a game Wales cannot

You speak to pundits, former players from outside of Wales,

where do they place Wales' s chances in this tournament?

Well, I know we keep saying about Gareth Bale,

but with him on the pitch, he's a superstar.

And that's why I think we are different to the Republic

of Ireland and Northern Ireland, because there haven't

England have got, you know, Ian Kane and Rooney and Delle Ali.

So if he can stay fit and you can get the ball as often as he can,

I think the last 16, with a possible quarterfinal

is a real opportunity but first and foremost,

you cannot lose against Slovakia tomorrow.

Everything on Gareth Bale's shoulders.

I wouldn't say on his shoulders, but when you're involved in 9 out

of the 11 goals in the qualifier, you have to say that going forward,

we are reliant upon him, no doubt about that.

Will he go with Robson Kanu, will he go with Sam Vokes,

Will he go with Dave Edwards or Andy King

So, you know, I'd go for it, I'd go with Andy King

in the middle of the park, with Ramsey and Allen,

but I've got a sneaky feeling he might go withthe more physical

Robbie, you came close to qualifying yourself.

While you're there, how excited are you?

You know, I speak to John Hartson, Craig Bellamy, of course,

we missed out to Russia but this group of players has bonded so well

and to be here as a pundit, you know, it's my third one

but when you've got involved within it, it's fantastic.

I've been with all the fans in Bordeaux this morning.

There's 10,000 fans expected so it's brilliant for everybody

My heart says yes, my head says it's going to be tougher

Robbie Savage. It's quiet here this evening. 42,000 fans will stream

into the stadium tomorrow. Kick-off is at five o'clock. I bring you all

the reaction on Wales today tomorrow evening. Back to you, Lucy.

The new Economy Secretary is calling for a long-term solution

to the steel crisis that will protect jobs, whether Tata

Ken Skates says the company would have to show that it

could sustain steel making at Port Talbot if it decided to hold

on to the plant, while Plaid Cymru says Tata must not be allowed

to benefit from proposed pension changes aimed at helping

Our business correspondent, Brian Meechan, has the latest.

The week continues for Tata workers, not only in Port Talbot but across

the country. Steel prices have begun to rise and losses at this site are

starting to fall. The UK Government's is also negotiating

with Tata on issues like reducing the company 's pension liabilities

and energy costs. Some believe that the Indian company is reconsidering.

At its first interview with this programme since being appointed, the

new economy Secretary says Tata will have to show it image for the

long-term if it's not selling. We want sustainable solution that

provides steel-making jobs in Wales. For many communities, Steelers

essential for the country. And our preferred option would be for any

buyer for Tata to maintain for the long-term steel-making in Wales.

That is being expected to release a short list of potential bidders for

weeks but still is alleged worries about what's happening. Liberty

stealing Newport is one of the company is expected to be on that

list, along with Spell at birth and another investor. -- X Balaban. Tata

workers held a rally in London last month and the Business Minister

marched alongside them but some argue these workers and other

members of tartar's pension scheme shouldn't lose benefits if the

company does decide to keep its UK operations.

This is Tata is opportunity and liability. In law they cannot walk

away from it. Tata group can meet this pension fund deficit and it

would be morally and legally wrong for all kinds of other corporations

to let Tata to walk away from its responsibilities.

Both the UK Government and Tata said they working together to secure the

future of the business and secure the best outcome for members of the

Around 50 people gathered in Pembrokeshire today to discuss

concerns about mental health support for young people.

The public forum was organised by the family of 15-year-old

Oliver Edwards-Cavill from Pembroke Dock who took

Pembrokeshire Council and Hywel Dda Health Board were due

to be on the panel but both were unable to attend.

The health board said this was due to sickness.

The Council has been asked to comment.

It's hoped the forum will help to improve services.

Young people are identifying that they want to see services

improved but also maybe the establishment and development

of more maybe appropriate type services that are not necessarily

mental health but more emotional well-being,

to do that transfer from young person to adulthood.

A coroner has told Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board it must push ahead

with plans to set up a special team to help mothers-to-be

It follows the death of 22-year-old Shanice Priestley who was eight

months pregnant when she hanged herself at her home

The health board said it is developing a perinatal mental

The Welsh Government has stepped in to attempt to end a dispute

affecting staff who work for National Museum Wales.

Members of the PCS Union have been taking continuous strike action over

plans to end extra payments for working weekends.

The Museum has now offered a lump sum, equivalent to five years' worth

The Welsh Government is financing half of the offer.

The union says it's considering the details and hopes

Three days of celebration to mark the Queen's

a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral this morning.

And among those chosen to lead the prayers is Hilda Price

from Cardiff, who shares her birthday with the Queen.

We give you thanks for Jesus Christ. His body may be united in his love.

Mrs Price, who was born in Carmarthen, said

when she was told she was to take part, it was the shock of her life.

Rugby and Wales centre Jamie Roberts says players are always on edge

when facing New Zealand, more so than when playing

They face the All Blacks in Auckland tomorrow.

But kicking coach Neil Jenkins says they won't be intimidated.

Their home record is pretty impressive and no matter where they

play in the world, they are pretty impressive, so I think obviously,

we've been here as some of the players

World Cup in 2011, and semis and the third

quarter didn't go too well for

us on those occasions so hopefully we can turn that around

Let's re-join Tomos now in Bordeaux. for you at 8.00pm.

Since 1958, the closest a Welshman has come to playing

in a major football tournament is on a computer.

And with that in mind, here's our guide to Wales' group

at Euro 2016, which celebrates both the beautiful game

Wales are in group B, alongside England, Russia and Slovakia.

First up, Slovakia - underestimate them

They've just beaten world champions Germany in a

friendly and beat Spain during qualification for the Euros.

Wales have played them twice before and

A 5-2 win away but a 5-1 thrashing in Cardiff.

The only high point of that game - Gareth Bale's

Apparently, they won something back in 1966 but

Their team is full of stars and full of

Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy among the Premier League's top

With a perfect record in qualifying ten wins from ten games,

they are favourites to top the group and beat Wales.

But they don't always live up to the potential when

Responsible for Welsh heartbreak when they beat us

in the play-offs for Euro 2004, Fielding a player, Yegor Titov,

There aren't too many household names in the

Russian squad and their star player Alan Dzagoev

has already withdrawn through

The Russians have bags of experience but they're an ageing

squad and Wales' pacey attackers will love to exploit that.

Finish in the top two and Wales go through to

the next round but the four best third-place finishers

Lets hope Wales will prosper throughout this tournament

24,000 Welsh fans have tickets for tomorrow's game.

They'll be savouring all the atmosphere here in Bordeaux.

But many more will be on the edge of their seats back home in Wales,

watching the game with friends and family.

Carwyn Jones has been looking at how Wales is preparing for

the tournament that's been 58 years in the making.

Camera phones at the ready because the euro is looming large on the

Welsh capital. As if we needed any reminder, a giant Welsh football

shirt now dominates the city 's shopping precinct, a photo

opportunity this proved impossible to resist. Something else that

appeared in Cardiff is this a fan zone, a huge field behind the

castle, where Wales supporters can come together to enjoy all the

action. Tomorrow, around 6000 football thanks -- fans will be

gathering here to watch Wales played Slovakia on a giant screen placed

behind me and that's green organisers say is the largest high

definition screen anywhere in the UK. Watching the last minute

preparations with pride as Blackwood student Marc Jones. He fired up a

social media campaign calling for a fan zone in the capital when it

looked like wasn't going to be won. His petition got 1000 signatures in

a fortnight and it's all paid off. Hopefully in years to come, people

will be looking back at thousands of people celebrating here and looking

back at it. So really emotional! It'll be just

as emotional for fans in Swansea, the city 's Castle Square is hosting

a fan zone two. Tomorrow, thousands of supporters are expected to take

the train, heading into city centres to enjoy the match. British

Transport Police is beefing up its presence on the rail network.

We do have sufficient resources to make sure we cater for normal

footfall through our stations but also that extra level that might

come through and parts that might come through with the way for drug.

Throughout the tournament, at nightfall, 16 historic landmarks

including Conwy Castle will turn red. Be lit up throughout the group

stages and as and as long as Wales is in the tournament, fans will be

hoping the night sky stays that way well into July.

Well, the mass exodus of Wales fans started a few days ago.

The initial few dozens have now been joined by thousands

Those without a ticket to the game at Stade de Bordeaux

will be able to watch it in the fan zone in the city.

Tonight, people are gathering for the opening game

This is the Bordeaux fan zone and you can watch it. Actually, 62,000

people can come here and watch every game. Bear in mind, that's 20,000

more than will be in the stadium against Slovakia tomorrow. These two

fans will be there. You've been a lifelong football supporter.

What's it like to finally be here? Absolutely incredible. It's the

final leg of a journey that I started about 31 years ago in

Cardiff. It is a journey never thought I'd make and here we are

today in the fan zone in Bordeaux, absolutely loving it.

And it's going to emotional. I think I cried when we beat

Belgium, I certainly did cry when I went to Zeneca. Tomorrow, when they

play the national anthem, I'll be in tears of joy.

Ryan, can you quite believe this moment is actually here?

Not really. The sticker books and the songs, it's all been surreal and

its sinking in. Walking around Bordeaux today and seeing all the

flags and the fan zone, spotting Welsh people all over, it's sinking

in but when those teams walk-out tomorrow, that's when we'll know. I

really believe that this is happening, cos I still can't quite

get my head around our little nation has finally got our spot on the

world's speech. Release -- really proud.

Thank you from that. It's been a mixed day here in Bordeaux,

weather-wise, but the sun is coming out. Let's get the full weather back

home with Llyr Gruffydd Davis. A mixed bag there is well. Humid

conditions of the most to the country for most of the week, and

into the weekend. Some showers tonight as well. The showers are

mixed all over the place, not much of a pattern. Some late today

brightness of the parts of Pembrokeshire with showers

elsewhere, high over mid Wales. Some more heavy showers there but a mild

night. Quite unsettled and certainly feeling maquis. We've got low

pressure in charge of the weather and this is bringing more unsettled

conditions. A series of friends in the West, pushing over the country

over the next few days. Not necessarily bringing heavy rain but

making things damper. Tomorrow morning, eight o'clock, we see

plenty of sunshine in the south-east, spells of such a comment

go during the day but further north, more showers. These could be heavy

at times but still quite well, considering it's early in the

morning. Some more showers as we go down into parts of south Ceredigion

and barbiturates are. Quite a mixed bag ahead for Saturday. We'll see

more showers throughout the day once again. Some drier spells as well. A

hint of sunshine here and there before evening. In the evening,

quite another warm evening, temperatures around 16-18dC and

Saturday nights, Maggie once again. One or two afternoons boss of

sunshine as we go into Saturday night but then, more rain pushing in

from the south-west in the early hours of Sunday. Still feeling quite

stuffy. Sunday itself, are starts across most of the country with rain

pushing across the country, gradually clearing towards the east,

so although it looks dismal on the map, we could see some dry weather

and hints of brightness before we get to the end of Sunday. An outlook

for the next two days. The showers continue for tonight, into Saturday,

cloudy at times. Some showers across the country, wetter than for Sunday

and the beginning next week, the mild conditions remain. More cloud,

showers and sunny intervals, but are looking clearer and certainly

brighter by the end of next week. Have a great weekend.

Tomorrow, you can listen to commentary on the game on BBC world

and Radio Cymru with updates on line. Live coverage on S4C and

you're on BBC One Wales, the coverage starts at four o'clock.

Kick-off at five o'clock. You won't miss a thing here on the BBC. The

players are at their hotels to night. Quietly contemplating the

task ahead on the streets and expectations are high and reaching a

crescendo. Having endured decades of despair,

years of footballing frustration and near misses,

many thought this day would never come - that Wales would play

on the big stage, making history.